Emiliano Martínez continues to write his story with the Argentine National Team. In the team's debut at the World Cup against Algeria, Dibu kept a clean sheet and reached 42 shutouts in just 60 matches defending the Albiceleste.
With this performance, the Mar del Plata goalkeeper is only five clean sheets away from matching the record held by Sergio Romero, who achieved it in 97 matches between 2008 and 2019. The difference in the number of matches played highlights Dibu's impact in less time.
The journey has not been easy. Dibu arrived at the tournament with a fracture in the ring finger of his right hand that raised doubts beforehand, but he responded on the field. He had almost no work against Algeria, although at the start he struggled with a disallowed goal to Fares Chaibi for which he had some responsibility.
Romero's historic mark
Sergio Romero, known as Chiquito, set a high standard for Argentine goalkeepers. His record of 47 clean sheets was achieved over more than a decade with the national team jersey. Now, Dibu has the opportunity to surpass it in this same World Cup.
To reach or exceed Romero's mark, Argentina would need to advance in the tournament without conceding goals in several key matches. Surviving the quarter-finals with a clean sheet would be a significant step. Other combinations, such as reaching the final while conceding goals in one or two matches, would also come into play.
Martínez's debut with the National Team was in June 2021 against Chile in the Qualifiers. Since then, his growth has been remarkable, crowned with the Golden Glove in Qatar 2022. His presence instills confidence in the team and the fans.
An impeccable list of achievements
Dibu's career is filled with clean sheets in important stages. It includes matches from the Copa América, Qualifiers, Finalissima, and friendlies. Among them, the final of the Copa América 2021 against Brazil, the Finalissima against Italy, and several victories in the Qualifiers stand out.
Recently, he added clean sheets in key Qualifying matches for 2026 and in the Copa América 2024, where Argentina lifted the trophy. Each of these performances reinforces his role as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
